[St0nkingByte]

So I've just hit 6000 miles on my Marauder with the original stock Dunlop tires. A week ago I was looking at the rear tire thinking hmm I might need to replace that in the next 500 miles or so and then today at lunch I look at it and realize that sucker is basically bald in the center now! Arg!

I've never bought motorcycle tires before, I looked around and the consensus seems to be that for a daily commuter/cruiser guy the Metzler 880s are the way to go. So this makes me wonder about a couple things...

• Whats the best place to buy tires? Online? Dealership? Little shop?
  
  
• I'm slightly handy with the wrenching, are tires something I can do myself or should they be left to the professionals? The Marauder uses a tubeless tire.
  
  
• Could I buy tires online then take them to a local shop pay them a few $$ to mount them? Would the little gas station/auto repair shop in my neighborhood be able to mount them for me? They do tires. Guess I should ask them
  
  
• What should I expect to pay in addition to the tire price if I take it to a shop? Do motorcycle tires need to be balanced or require other special attention?

 

[Clint]

Definately buy online, but first ask around to find out what the local wrenches will charge for mounting a tire purchased elsewhere. Some are idiots and won't take the work, but some are cool about it. Two dealers in St. Cloud charge only $15. I wouldn't take them to a shop that doesn't specialize in motorcycle tires. You want to have someone do it who understands the importance of the two tires you rely on.

You can certainly mount your own, but you need to do some reading first. You'll need a basic set of tools and a balancing apparatus. The toughest part is breaking the bead, which can result in wheel damage or injury if not done correctly. Some people don't balance, and they say they have no problems, but I'm doubtful of the idea.

I'll get some tire sites posted later.

 

[ChicsterMG]

Personally, I would have the pro's mount them. I'm ok with doing my own work, but that is not one I would trust myself doing.
If you can find a pro that will mount pre-purchased tires without ripping you off. I have a local dealer that is very competetive with on-line tire prices. They include mounting in the price and still are close.
I would definately get them balanced. Bad balanceing can cause other problems if it is severe enough.

 

[Gixxxer750]

i just bought a new dunlop for $249 plus 10% off cause i just bought my bike a month ago and they are charging $65 to install and test.

If i would of had more time i probably would have bought online but i haven;t ridin in 4 days and there is gonna be some beautiful weather this weekend.

 

[themeatmanlandry]

i just bought a new dunlop for $249 plus 10% off cause i just bought my bike a month ago and they are charging $65 to install and test.

Damn! That makes my dealership look like a bargain!! :shock:

 

[LayinLo]

try:

Parts 411
American Moto Tire
Dennis Kirk
Tires Unlimited
Discount Motorcycle Tires

 

[Clint]

i just bought a new dunlop for $249 plus 10% off cause i just bought my bike a month ago and they are charging $65 to install and test.

Man, they really bent you over a barrel. Most sportbike rears are $100-140 online, and my local shops mount and balance for $15. Maybe you meant 2 tires?

 

[St0nkingByte]

When you say mount for $15 I'm guessing you mean I pull the wheels off the bike and take them and the new tires to a shop and they mount them on the rims for me?

I think I'm up for that, I do have a new motorcycle lift

 

[Gixxxer750]

Damn! That makes my dealership look like a bargain!! :shock:

That price is in CDN funds.

 

[themeatmanlandry]

I'm too stoopid. Does that make it better?

 

[Gixxxer750]

if i boought the tire in the states it would probably be about 150 or so

 

[Nexus242]

the guy that put my Z6s on charged me $20 each off the bike.

 

[Gixxxer750]

Picked up my bike, total bill for a new Dunlop back tire and to get it put on, $330 cdn.

Good thing i work in the oil patch.